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The Copán ruins are set in the hills in the west of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala and can be easily incorporated into a trip combining the two countries.
The ruins mark the southeastern limit of Mayan dominance and are the most significant in Honduras.
As with many of Central America’s archaeological sites they were buried in jungle when rediscovered in 1839. The site was cleared in the 1930s to reveal intricately carved stelae (three metre columns of stone), a hieroglyphic stairway and several ball courts.
The nearby town of Copán Ruinas is a quiet and charming settlement with cobbled streets: a perfect place to while away some time before or after visiting the ruins.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Copán by contacting one of our Honduras specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 660
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Suggested itineraries featuring Copán
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Copán, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
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![Pyramid in Copán]()
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![Mayan pyramid in Tikal]()
In search of the Maya through Honduras, Belize, Guatemala & Mexico
Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and MexicoView this tour
Places near Copán
- Pico Bonito 159 miles away
- La Ceiba 171 miles away
- The Bay Islands 203 miles away
- Roatán Island 204 miles away
Photos of Copán
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![Pyramid, Copán, Honduras]()
Pyramid, Copán, Honduras -
![Copán, Honduras]()
Copán, Honduras -
![Scarlet macaws, Copán]()
Scarlet macaws, Copán -
![Copan ruins, Honduras]()
Copan ruins, Honduras -
![Colourful street in Copan]()
Colourful street in Copan -
![Copán, Honduras]()
Copán, Honduras -
![Cobbled street in Copán]()
Cobbled street in Copán -
![Colourful street in Copán]()
Colourful street in Copán
Accommodation choices for Copán
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Copán. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![La Casa Rosada, Copán]()
La Casa Rosada
Copán -
![Hacienda San Lucas, Copan]()
Hacienda San Lucas
Copán
Ideas for experiencing Copán
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Copán, and which use the best local guides.
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Copán Archaeological Site ![Underground Mayan temples at Copán]()
Copán Archaeological Site
Copán Archaeological Site
A guided tour of the beautiful archaeological site of Copán, marking the most southerly point of the Maya Empire. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the ruins of Copán were not excavated until the 19th century.
View details -
Finca El Cisne ![Horse trekking at the Finca]()
Finca El Cisne
Finca El Cisne
Carlos' family owns the farm, and he takes you on a tranquil horseback ride through the farmlands and beautiful scenery of the Copán valley followed by a hearty farmhouse lunch cooked by Carlos' mother.
View details
